4 Surprising Items You Can't Leave in Hot Cars

Most cars come standard with power steering these days, but what exactly does that mean? Here’s a closer look at what power steering is and how it works. more How Power Steering Works Power steering is when hydraulic or electric actuators control energy to the steering mechanism. This means that the driver can use less effort to turn the steering wheels when driving at normal speeds. There are several parts involved in your car's power steering that help it function properly.   The pump provides the hydraulic power for the steering. This is controlled by the car's engine via a belt and pulley system. The pump has a set of retractable vanes that spin inside an oval-shaped chamber. As the vanes spin, they slowly pull hydraulic fluid in and then force it into the outlet at high pressure.   The next part that’s required in power steering is the rotary valve. The rotary valve senses force on the steering wheel. When you aren't using your steering wheel, you don't need power steering. It's only when you apply pressure that the rotary valve involves the rest of the power steering system. The steering gear is attached to the rotary valve. This helps the wheels turn without much effort. The History of Power Steering Power steering was first installed into a vehicle in 1876 by a man named Fitts. The next power steering system wasn't installed until 1903 when it was put in a Columbia five-ton truck. While many engineers tried to patent and manufacture other types of power steering for the commercial market after that, it wasn't until World War II that it was brought to the masses. During the war, the U.S. and British military wanted something that made it easier to steer the heavy armored cars and tanks.   The first commercial car company to debut power steering was Chrysler when it placed it in the Chrysler Imperial in 1951. General Motors then introduced it in its 1951 Cadillac models. Most new vehicles these days have power steering, with trends leaning toward front-wheel drive, wider tires, and greater vehicle mass, all of which increase the need for power steering assistance. What Would Driving Feel Like Without Power Steering? When power steering became standard in new vehicles, cars became heavier and lower to the ground. Trying to drive a modern car without power steering would be a tough workout and much more difficult than it was decades past.   Before power steering became the norm, cars usually had steering wheels that were much larger in diameter. This gave drivers a little bit more leverage when turning the wheel. Without power steering, you have to turn the wheel a lot more, and it takes much longer to turn than it does now. A car without power steering isn’t as responsive in turning or adjusting the wheels as a car with power steering.   Most seasoned drivers can remember a time when power steering was a luxury. Thanks to modern technology in auto manufacturing, driving is much easier and much more enjoyable. Image via Flickr by loubeat

One of the best things about buying a brand new car is not having to stress about breakdowns and costly repairs. However, that doesn't mean you don't have to worry about taking your car into the dealership at all. There are several important maintenance services that your Kia requires to keep it running at its best and to protect your warranty. The 15,000-mile service is the first significant tuneup your Kia will require. Read on to learn what Kia's 15,000-mile service package will include. Oil Change It's recommended to change your Kia's oil every 3,750 miles, so when it's time for your 15,000 mile service, your car will be ready for its fourth lifetime oil change. Engine oil lubricates the moving parts of your car's engine, and it's important to replace it regularly to ensure that the oil is clean and lubricating properly. This simple maintenance task goes a long way to keeping your car running smoothly and maximizing its lifespan. more As part of an oil change package at your Kia dealership, your old engine oil will be removed and replaced with new oil, and your oil filter will be replaced with a new genuine Kia oil filter. This also provides an opportunity for your local Kia technicians to check fluids like the window washer fluid and engine coolant, and top off as necessary. Cabin Air Filter Replacement Your car's cabin air filter is responsible for catching pollutants like dust, mold, insect debris, and other air contaminants before they pass through your car's A/C vents and into the air you breathe. Replacing your Kia's cabin air filter does more than keep the air inside of your car clean — it also helps prevent damage to your car's engine that can be caused by the A/C working too hard to move air through a clogged filter. Tire Inspection and Rotation As part of your 15,000-mile service package, your Kia dealership will inspect your car's tires for uneven wear and pressure, adjust the pressure as needed, and rotate your tires. Front tires tend to wear down more quickly than rear tires, so regular tire rotations are important to ensure an even amount of treadwear on all four tires. Rotating your tires not only extends their lifespan, but it also gives your mechanic an opportunity to catch treadwear patterns that could indicate a more significant problem with your vehicle. Visual Inspection In addition to the maintenance items listed above, when you bring your Kia to the dealer for a 15,000-mile service you'll also receive a full visual inspection of your vehicle by a Kia Certified Technician. We'll inspect your front suspension, battery, fuel tank and lines, and steering, and make sure your brakes are clean and wearing evenly. Our associates will review the inspection results with you, informing you of any additional recommended maintenance and answering any questions you may have. Don't neglect to have your Kia serviced by your dealer according to the Manufacturer's Recommended Maintenance Schedule. Regularly scheduled maintenance keeps your car operating in peak condition and lets you catch any minor problems before they turn into costly repairs. Looking to do a job yourself? Checkout our parts department to get high quality affordable parts.

Driving in heavy rain calls for extra caution on the road. While it's always best practice to stay home during bad weather when possible, sometimes you have no choice but to get behind the wheel. For those times, follow these six tips for driving in heavy rain. Slow Down Wet roads mean longer stopping distances and increased risk of accidents. Ensure that you stay in control of your vehicle and have plenty of time to react to sudden traffic changes by reducing your speed in heavy rain. Remember that the posted speed limit is an upper limit based on ideal driving conditions, and you'll typically need to drive slower than the speed limit in inclement weather. more Turn On Your Headlights Visibility decreases dramatically in heavy rain. It's not just your ability to see the road that's affected, but also other drivers' ability to see you. Turn on your headlights any time it's raining to make sure that other drivers can identify all four corners of your vehicle. Use your low beam headlights, so you don't accidentally blind other drivers. Give Yourself More Space You should always increase your following distance in the rain, and you should give yourself even more space when the rain is severe. Rear-end collisions are the most common accidents, and the risk is even greater in heavy rain due to decreased visibility and increased stopping distance. Keep at least five car lengths between you and the car in front of you, and don't be afraid to give even more space if conditions call for it. Avoid Standing Water Driving through standing water increases the odds of hydroplaning and creates an opportunity for water to enter your engine. Both of these are bad news, so avoid standing water when possible. If you're on a multi-lane road, drive in the middle lane, as it's higher than the outer lanes and less likely to accumulate water. If you do find yourself hydroplaning, let off the accelerator and gently steer in the direction you want to go. Don't slam on your brakes or jerk your steering wheel, as this may cause you to lose control. Never drive through water if you can't see the road markings underneath, or you risk getting stuck or swept away. Keep Your Tires in Good Condition A car with under-inflated tires or worn tire tread is at greater risk of an accident. If your tires aren't in good shape, you'll be more likely to hydroplane and you'll have trouble stopping in time on wet roads. Make sure you're not caught unprepared in a storm by ensuring that your tires have adequate tread and are inflated to the manufacturer's recommendation. Pull Over When Necessary Sometimes a storm is simply greater than what your car can safely handle. If your wipers can't keep up with the rain, if water is accumulating on the roadway, or if you're having trouble maintaining control of your vehicle, find a safe place to pull over and wait out the worst of the storm. Rain is a top cause of automobile accidents in the United States, and it's important to not underestimate the power of heavy rains. Follow these tips to improve your driving in heavy rain, and remember to always stay off the road in unsafe conditions.